The Lagos State government has intensified its efforts to combat open defecation, particularly along the Berger Expressway and rail lines, with a stern warning of prosecution for offenders. The crackdown is part of the state’s broader initiative to improve public health and sanitation , also Barrister Evans Ufeli, CEO of Enterprise TV and a dedicated legal advocate, took a significant step by initiating legal proceedings before the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The case seeks to address the severe issue of open defecation that has plagued this major highway, impacting public health and the environment.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced the enforcement action during an advocacy and sanitation exercise. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, the commissioner emphasized the state's commitment to eradicating open defecation through the provision and operation of 24-hour public toilets around Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Gaji highlighted that while existing toilet facilities are limited, the state has plans to construct more public toilets equipped with water treatment plants that recycle water, contributing to the preservation of the ecosystem. "The toilets are not enough, but we have plans to construct more toilets that will have their own water treatment plants and will be able to recycle water, so the whole ecosystem can be preserved; you will start seeing the implementation soon," he said.
The enforcement action is part of a broader strategy to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in Lagos State. Gaji stressed the importance of collective efforts in promoting the use of clean and accessible toilet facilities in communities and public spaces. He also underscored the necessity of educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of proper sanitation.
By prioritizing these measures, the Lagos State government aims to protect public health and create a cleaner, more hygienic environment for all residents.
